Yet despite being such an atypical event, it [fox attacks] is repeatedly referred to in the press. In comparison, the seven children and five adults killed by dogs since 2005, and the hundreds more disfigured, receive far less coverage.

Nor are urban fox numbers increasing, despite claims made by yet another "expert" on the recent Channel 4 programme. In many cities fox numbers have declined due to sarcoptic mange, an extremely unpleasant and fatal disease.

For further answers we must turn to TheFoxWebsite.org, which provides readers with up-to-date urban fox statistics and a staggering array of facts about foxes, tackling many commonly believed myths on its FAQ page ("Foxes will breed with my dog" and "Are large numbers of urban foxes dumped in the countryside?" being but two of the best).